Charges laid after firework launched at police drone

April 22, 2025

A Thunder Bay resident is facing charges after launching a firework at a police drone during an active missing person search.

On Sunday April 20, 2025, members of the Thunder Bay Police Service were using a drone to assist in locating a missing person.

 

During the operation, a nearby resident expressed concern about the drone to an officer on the ground and was informed that it was a police-operated drone being used as part of the investigation. Despite this information, the individual proceeded to set up, ignite, and launch a firework directly at the drone. The drone operator was able to take evasive action, successfully avoiding damage and preventing a potentially dangerous crash over a residential area.

 

The individual was identified and arrested.

 

A 54-year-old Thunder Bay man has been charged with Obstruct Police and Damage to Aircraft. The accused was released with an appearance notice and a future court date.

 

Drones are classified as aircraft under Canadian law and must be treated as such. Interfering with a police drone — particularly during an operational deployment — poses a serious risk to public safety and undermines critical law enforcement efforts.

 

While some residents may feel uncomfortable with drones operating near their homes, there are no legal restrictions preventing drones from flying over private property. When conducting exigent operational missions, such as missing person or suspect searches, drones may traverse residential areas. The Thunder Bay Police Service makes every reasonable effort to respect personal privacy, and in many cases, the drone is observing areas from a distance rather than directly beneath it. There is no circumstance in which attempting to interfere with a police drone is acceptable.

 

Drones are a vital tool in modern policing and are regularly deployed in a range of operations, with their use in missing person searches among the most critical.

December 2025

December 8, 2025
Your Questions Answered: Q. Why are there repeat offenders out committing crimes? A. A new “Bail and Sentencing Reform Act” aims to increase public safety and make it more difficult for people to reoffend. It is under consideration by Parliament. Many people – including police - are frustrated when they see repeat offenders. After police lay charges, release decisions are made by the courts. Police leaders across Ontario, including ours, support bail reform to better address repeat and high-risk offenders. In the meantime, we continue to lay charges, request appropriate release conditions, and work with justice and community partners to help prevent further crime. Q. If police know about a house where drugs are being sold, why can’t they just shut it down? A. Police work hard to address drug-related activity in neighbourhoods. Police need solid, lawful evidence that meets the requirements for warrants and charges that will hold up in court. It helps to get calls from the community about suspected drug activity. Sometimes, even after arrests, drug activity can continue because: New people take over, especially in organized groups. The property can’t be seized even though arrests were made. Landlords must follow their own legal steps. Accused individuals may be released while awaiting trial and return to the same place.

November 2025

December 4, 2025
Collisions – Did you know? The Thunder Bay Collision Reporting Centre is located within the Thunder Bay Police Service station at 1200 Balmoral Street. The collision reporting centre is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1,535 motor vehicle collisions were reported in the six-month period from January 1 to June 30 of this year. Most collisions: · happened in January · took place on Fridays (the fewest on Sundays) · occurred around 4:00 p.m. · took place when conditions were clear and roads were dry.

Suspect arrested after police respond to weapons call

December 4, 2025
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